Foundations of international relations: an Islamic Sufi approach - Emerald Raul Pacheco-Vega is an Associate Professor at the Methods Lab of the Facultad Latinoamericana de Ciencias Sociales (FLACSO) Sede Mexico. It does well in covering traditional, enduring, and emerging issues and problems in international relations. The books chapters, while authored by different contributors, are consistently edited, giving the text a high degree of consistency. There was nothing at all offensive about this book, but people should be aware that it is a European-worldview IR text. But the book refuses to use "buzzwords" like "globalization" because the authors 5. Bringing down the number of chapters would also help in fitting the text into a standard 15 week semester long classes (at least in North America). Dana Gold works in regulatory strategy and research for the Ontario Public Service. The book covers a very wide and comprehensive set of topics in a concise way. The texts interface is remarkably simple: just plain, narrative text (with references). Stephen Hill, Lecturer in Politics and International Relations, University of Edinburgh, UK, Registered Office: 1385 Broadway, Fifth Floor, New York, NY 10018 USA. In conclusion, the text McGlincheys introductory level International Relations volume is clear, and the writing is well edited. An engaging introduction to the core concepts, theories, actors and issues in global politics. Reviewed by Azamat Sakiev, Assistant Professor, Pennsylvania State University on 2/1/18, The textbook is comprehensive in range of concepts it covers. Stephen McGlinchey has brought together a fantastic collection of authors who together present a wide-ranging, critical and accessible introduction to International Relations. I thought the chapters on the environment and food security were particularly well-developed, but other chapters like the one on connectivity, communications, and technology would have been made stronger through more details or applied examples. However, using it as the primary text for college students in the United States would require a lot of extra work (developing a glossary,discussion questions, finding the images,charts, figures going along with the text, etc.). I did not identify any factual inaccuracies, although I would have liked more frequent citations. It's as if the authors see IR as outside of the realm of human relevance. Several chapters reference current events heavily, which will need updates soon. Additionally, the authors state clearly that the chapters should not be "cherry picked" and must be read one after another--I did not find this to be the case and had no issues jumping around. Since the undergraduate audience is the primary target, pictures, graphics and other visual representations would significantly increase the textbooks appeal. The chapter then employs each theoretical framework to assess by the lights of each theory, respectively, the United Nations. However, there is not much on IR theory. Related ideas are well-grouped and the presentation of topics is logical and clear. This is incorrect. Chapters make effective use of section headings and the text is easily and readily divisible. They will find it challenging and rewarding in equal measure. via institutions' own library database that are free to students. At the same time, the second half ("global issues") that focuses on contemporary problems, would have to be updated quite regularly (i.e. The edited volume captures the relevant debates in IR and provides an overall view of open topics in a manner to insuniate longer term discussion. Countries in the global south are presented as object of diplomacy, or as the sites of problems like famine, rather than presented as active participants in globalization (I guess if they'd be willing the use the term globalization, they could have avoided this problem). In addition, the chapter on the making of the modern world suggests that the European colonies copied the European ideas of how to run a country. read more. International relations - Structures, institutions, and levels of Also noteworthy, the book contains no finding aids (index, glossary) which would make it cumbersome to students trying to use this in an introductory course. The more common but contested interpretation is that this is interest in security. The differences between and respective functions of inter-governmental organizations and non-governmental organizations is explicated. I will certainly include some of these chapters as supplements to my intro to IR course. There are many topics that I don't typically cover in an Intro to IR course but that I could see being interesting to students (e.g. Although the book lacks an index, as the editor noted as being too costly to compile. It has a bibliography, but throughout the text, is uses very few references, even when it seems obvious that the reader would like to know more. I look forward to adopting this book in the Spring- while there are some issues with the ability to design a course around it (ie the text itself isn't flexible to starting from a different point than the text does), I believe it is worth the effort. They will find it challenging and rewarding in equal measure. However, when combining various chapters from parts 1 and 2, the reading assignments are coherent. Overall, very comprehensive for an introductory textbook. Perhaps the biggest inconsistency is quality: some chapters, especially chapter 11 on Protecting People, stand out as sharp and cleara highwater mark for pedagogical effectiveness. The last chapter was a bit weird, especially the bit about England's legacy for world affairs today. read more. The book is also complimented by a bespoke curated website, featuring a regularly updated collection of interactive learning material and hosted on E-International Relations, the world's leading open access IR website.Portraying the most compelling issues of our time, and presenting the necessary tools to analyse and debate the subject, this is an invaluable resource for anyone studying international relations. My sense is that this omission emerges from its European perspective. Many chapters could be combined for a more streamlined presentation. Being able to point to good visualizations (charts, in particular) in the textbook would be much more of a strength than a distraction. Rosie Walters is a Lecturer in International Relations at Cardiff University. However, there is no index or glossary. Highly relevant, but, of course, the most recent IR events (e.g., the evolution of US foreign policy during the Trump and the Biden Administrations, etc.) My sense is that this omission emerges from its European perspective. Many key terms (anarchy, balance of power, collective action) are introduced but in an ad-hoc fashion. It begins with some history, quickly moves to theory, and then surveys issues. The approachability of the text and relevant case studies will leave students with the tools needed to understand and analyse international events. This was particularly true since a key theme of the book is that the ideas of IR being international and focused on states is somewhat outdated, shifting to adopt terms such as global, globalisation, and non-state actors. An immensely user-friendly introduction to International Relations, replete with diagrams, maps, illustrations and helpful summaries of the material covered. By Michael J. McNeal, Ph.D. Stephen McGlinchy, et. each chapter of the book could be assigned separately as part of the weekly readings of an intro to IR theory course. The book at least touches on all of the subjects that I routinely cover in my introductory course on international relations, but the coverage of the subjects vary greatly. This introduction to International Relations is one of the most original and interesting to come to the market in a long while. It clearly covers all of the major themes, theories, concepts and trends in an extremely dynamic subject matters. It misses some key components, the most obvious being interstate and intrastate war. Foundations of International Relations by Robbie Shilliam - Goodreads if the idea is to attract the attention of younger college age readers, it fails to achieve that. Foundations of International Relations delivers a comprehensive explanation of International Relations that includes a thorough introduction to critical theories and non-western viewpoints alongside established IR theories and narratives. Introduction to International Relations - Stephen McGlinchey PART ONE: HISTORY AND THEORY 2. International Relations and the Global System - Stephen McGlinchey 3. The chapters are short, with simple paragraphs and clear sentences placing the reader inside crucial issues and debates so they can understand how things work, and where they fit in the world around them. The authors make a concentrated effort to make this text relevant to twenty-first century politics. This edited volume provides a comprehensive yet not so well integrated coverage of the issues and theories that define the international relations field today. In many ways, this is appropriate for an introductory class, but not when the basic themes and concepts are covered in less detail than the issues. The textbooks content is up to date in two ways: the topics explored in Part Two (Global Issues) are contemporary, pressing problems in international relations, and the case studies peppered throughout are largely drawn from recent, relevant events. One thing I'd like to see is more attention to key concepts in the first few chapters. As a beginner's guide, it has been structured to condense the most important information into the smallest space and present that information in the most accessible way. Many reviewers have noted that the book doesn't talk about war. You are on the United States site. Discovery, Conquest and Colonialism - Robbie Shilliam 4. The language is inconsistent and calls for a major revision to keep the use of terminology and frameworks the same across all the chapters. Instructor resources, including powerpoints, essay questions and a multiple choice question bank for each chapter are available from Bloomsbury. Part One of the text lays out the basic building blocks that one would expect to find in an introductory international relations textbook, and then in Part Two the authors compellingly explore these concepts across a wide range of relevant global issues. Wild Blue Yonder / Maxwell AFB, AL -- Theory is nothing but systematic reflection on phenomena, designed to explain them and to show how they are related to each other in a meaningful, intelligent pattern, instead of being merely random items of an incoherent universe. Would you like to go to the United States site? I imagine that it would be difficult for students to figure out what points were important to focus on. The first section of the book, "The Basics," did not cover the basics in as much detail as I would have liked to see. Again, it is difficult with an edited volume to make sure everyone is on the same page in terms of terminology, but the editor did a great job of ensuring that the terms and ideas were used consistently across the chapters. the edited volume obviously needs more charts, figures along with images. Such care for a student text has not been taken for a very long time. My biggest issue with the interface is that there is none. While no basic textbook could possibly cover the vast and diverse landscape that is IR, this text makes a sincere attempt to balance breadth and depth. Moving away from a purely European perspective, students will gain an understanding of traditional ideas about International Organisation, whilst also appreciating how issues such as COVID and food security are truly international in scope. John A. Rees is a Professor of Politics and International Relations at the University of Notre Dame Australia. terminology is very clear and almost too simplistic. Very simple text and outline. Best International Relations Courses [2023] | Coursera It would have been nice to get some more introductory concepts from some of the later chapters such as levels of analysis and actors before addressing one particular foreign policy tool. This book, like others in the E-IR Foundations series, is designed to capture attention with an engaging narrative. E-International Relations has curated an extensive online area with free multimedia resources to accompany each chapter of the book. Any An immensely user-friendly introduction to International Relations, replete with diagrams, maps, illustrations and helpful summaries of the material covered. Reviewed by Xiaowen Zhang, Associate Professor, Augustana College on 7/17/19, A wide range of topics are covered. Individual chapters can, therefore, be easily assigned for specific course subunits, without losing any of the books broader context. Featuring a combination of chapters authored by leading scholars, researchers and practitioners from around the world, this textbook takes into account the historical development of international relations and the web of dynamics that forms the subject, resulting in a clear analysis of the field from a variety of perspectives. Reviewed by Sahil Mathur, Adjunct Instructor, American University on 12/6/20, Given the inherently interdisciplinary nature of the academic field of International Relations (IR), any textbook on the subject is bound to be lacking in some aspects. Students are brought on an engaging intellectual journey through a range of contending perspectives and issues, whilst being encouraged to think critically throughout. Still, I'd have liked to see at least a short discussion on the changing nature of global finance in the global political economy chapter- there is a discussion of trade and multinationals which easily transitions into course discussion of GATT/WTO, and FDI, but no mention of sovereign credit or debt, which is by far the most commonly access form of global capital. The book at least touches on all of the subjects that I routinely cover in my introductory course on international relations, but the coverage of the subjects vary greatly. The core strength of this textbook is the clarity it brings to explaining the many concepts and theories that make up International Relations it introduces students to the nuance and complexity of the field in an exciting and accessible way. "Foundations of International Relations is a wonderfully rich, yet highly accessible, introduction to International Relations, both as a subject and as a discipline. The second half takes the book from "good" to "fantastic". The professor using this text would almost certainly need to supplement it with additional readings, and would probably also need to put a good deal of thought into designing exercises, lectures, tests, and study guides based on this material. The book tries admirably to include many perspectives and address issues of global relevance. These three omissions lessen the usability of the text. The textbook is inaccurate mostly because it's separate chapters allow each author to condense huge topics into a very short space. In general, the text is consistent in terms of terminology and framework, although inevitably multiple authors get repetitive. EU customers: we regret we cannot currently supply print inspection copies via the website but eBooks are available.If you would like an eBook and the option is not displayed below, please email [emailprotected] with your request. This is incorrect. They begin with a helpful introduction to the particular use of terms in IR theory, then proceed to define each of the traditional theories of liberalism and realism that have long dominated the discipline. But the authors do not encourage any sort of creativity so such a task would require significant extra work on the instructor's part. This volume offers a comprehensive evaluation of the concept of global order, with a particular emphasis on the role of regional organisations within global governance institutions such as the United Nations. Featuring a combination of chapters authored by leading scholars, researchers and practitioners from around the world, this textbook takes . The narrative arc forms a complete circle, taking readers from no knowledge to competency. The broad organization of the text into The Basics (Part One) and Global Issues (Part Two) and the sequencing of the chapters in Part One are logical. Also, most books also provide a multiplicity of weblinks and other online sources throughout each chapter. in action, as part of a "doing" in and on the world. Possibly, below stuffs can be added: democratic peace theory, capitalist peace theory, domestic audience costs, power transition theory, etc. This product is usually dispatched within 1 week, Free US delivery on orders $35 or over. Instead, taking international practices seriously spells out the many faces of world politics, including power and security, trade and finance, strategy, institutions and organizations, resources, knowledge and discourse, etc. The book fits clearly into the authors' pedagogy. Featuring a combination of chapters authored by leading scholars, researchers and practitioners from around the world, this textbook takes into account the historical development of international relations and the web of dynamics that forms the subject, resulting in a clear analysis of the field from . Each chapter is very short and can be assigned at different points within the course. James Arvanitakis is the Executive Director of the Australian American Fulbright Commission and an Adjunct Professor at the Institute for Culture and Society at Western Sydney University. 18. Also, there is no glossary. Insufficient attention is given to the more modern versions of these traditions, namely neoliberalism and neorealism, which have prevailed over roughly the last four decades. No index but you can search as it is available electronically. Global Diplomacy: the United Nations in the World: University of London. Obviously, I am excited about using this book to teach my class in International Relations. I did particularly like Chapter 12, "Connectivity, Communications, and Technology," because it discusses things like the internet and internet commerce that relate directly to students' lives. There are some basic style issues for some of the authors, though. The graduate program provides students with a unique combination of analytic research and practical applications tools. This book is designed to be a Day 0' introduction to International Relations. Peter Vale is a Senior Fellow at the Centre for the Advancement of Scholarship, University of Pretoria, and Nelson Mandela Professor of Politics Emeritus at Rhodes University. The participants might be disappointed at how little progress we have made since they met, but they probably would not be surprised. The content is accurate and given the general relevance of the text to the subjects covered the text should enjoy a fair degree of longevity. Mukesh Kapila CBE is Professor Emeritus of Global Health and Humanitarian Affairs at the University of Manchester. Textbooks are never the most gripping reading, but even with advanced knowledge of the material in the book I found it fairly compelling, particularly because of the focus in the second half of the book on global issues. Despite these efforts, there remains much scope for further diversity: even as case illustrations from the Global South are present, Western examples still form the majority. The book is well put together and I found no issues in regards to consistency in terminology or framework. International Development Minister Andrew Mitchell has spent the weekend in Kenya's capital, Nairobi, to meet with Kenyan President William Samoei Ruto and African Union Chairperson Moussa Faki . CENTER FOR OPEN EDUCATION | The Open Education Network is based in the Center for Open Education in the University of Minnesotas College of Education and Human Development. Chapter five, written by Knut Traisbach, introduces public international law. This is a strong point. Foundations of International Relations Stephen McGlinchey (Volume Editor) Paperback 29.99 26.99 Hardback 95.00 85.50 Quantity In stock 26.99 RRP 29.99 Website price saving 3.00 (10%) Add to basket Add to wishlist Delivery and returns info Free UK delivery on orders 30 or over This title is available for inspection copy requests Your School account is not valid for the United Kingdom site. This is particularly key for an international relations textbook with such a heavy emphasis on current world affairs. I think each chapter is very well organized. It is mostly up to date and relevant. al. The chapters in Part 2, "Global Issues," were covered in much greater detail. The Democratic Peace Theory - E-International Relations Of course, it's not a perfect IR textbook, but there's no "perfect" textbook, either. provide students of international relations a broad and substantive introduction to the discipline. This title is available for inspection copy requests. read more. It covers the UN system, legal treaties, intergovernmental and the global organizations that since the Second World War have provided for the international legal regime we now enjoy. read more. Part One provides excellent, succinct overviews of the fundamentals, or basics, of the field, while Part Two delves into specific global issues of contemporary importance. Some chapters make effective use of case studies, but others do not employ cases as an explanatory technique. Students are brought on an engaging intellectual journey through a range of contending perspectives and issues, whilst being encouraged to think critically throughout. Overall, very comprehensive for an introductory textbook. It would also enhance its teaching ability. The emphasis on concepts rather than smaller current event make it last for several years before needing re-edition. Critical Approaches to International Relations: Philosophical Foundations and Current Debates explores the achievements of a wide variety of critical approaches in International Relations theory, discusses the barrage of criticism and. For example, the chapter on diplomacy calls the reaction of common alarm in response to the development of nuclear weapons in a previously non-nuclear state a norm (p.25). critical theory. I also think it does a good job being unbiased. available free on E-International Relations. Introduction to International Relations: Foundations and Concepts Yes, they provide accurate information and I could not find misinformation. As it stands the textbook is rather fragmented. In my introductory course, I tend to delve a bit deeper into a number of issues, but this textbook overall provides a good framework to build those discussions off of. International practices (Chapter 1) - International Practices 13. Would you like to go to the United Kingdom site? An excellent educational resource. Traisbach traces the development of international law from its complete absence, to the patchwork of laws characterizing the nascent regime, to the semblance of global governance provided by international law today. On this, it does relatively well. The book could have also strived forand consequently benefitted fromgreater diversity among the chapter authors, who are overwhelmingly from the West. 6. Of course, I have already begun researching supplemental material in the form of pictures, graphs, weblinks to supplement this outstanding reading. The chapter then takes up hybrid organizations examining the ways in which certain agencies cooperate with formally collaborate with governments throughout the world. While comprehensiveness is not achievable, this edited volume covers main areas of the field. I would not classify this as a comprehensive text of introductory international relations. The book is written clearly, if dispassionately. international relations, the study of the relations of states with each other and with international organizations and certain subnational entities (e.g., bureaucracies, political parties, and interest groups). The author takes many steps towards pointing that out and incorporating different perspectives. Many perspectives are included when issues are being examined. Stephen McGlinchey has brought together a fantastic collection of authors who together present a wide-ranging, critical and accessible introduction to International Relations. Despite the daunting task it takes on, this textbook does an impressive job of Because of the topical focus, instructors can easily integrate the various chapters into their course. The journey starts by examining how the international system was formed and ends by reflecting that International Relations is always adapting to events and is therefore a never-ending journey of discovery. Reviewed by Abigail Post, Assistant Professor of Political Science and National Security, Anderson University on 12/4/20, I would not classify this as a comprehensive text of introductory international relations. Migration Anitta Kynsilehto It follows the basic format that most intro texts cover-- it starts with big themes and I might not be the smartest guy, but I think that I already deliver smart introductory lectures.
